Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd + More Go Platinum After RIAA Changes

*Three days after Rihanna’s “Anti” album went platinum, thanks in part to 1 million digital downloads on Tidal, and being streamed over 13 million times in less than 14 hours, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that it will begin counting online streams in its calculations towards awarding Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum album and single certifications, EW reports.

Some are calling it the Anti effect, as it marks one of the biggest rule-changes in RIAA history. A statement released on RIAA.com describes that the new system will now equate 1,500 song streams with one album sale, and 150 streams to one song download.

“For nearly six decades, whether it’s vinyl, CDs, downloads or now streams, the Gold & Platinum Program has adapted to recognize the benchmarks of success in an evolving music marketplace,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman and CEO, RIAA, in a statement. “We know that music listening – for both for albums and songs – is skyrocketing, yet that trend has not been reflected in our album certifications. Modernizing our Album Award to include music streaming is the next logical step in the continued evolution of Gold & Platinum Awards, and doing so enables RIAA to fully reward the success of artists’ albums today.”

Thanks to the updated system, 17 albums have achieved RIAA certification – with artists such as Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd earning platinum status after the changes.

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